The company, which operates Europe’s largest fleet of cruise liners, was the first to market regular cruises in the Gulf.

Costa, which is part of the US conglomerate Carnival Corporation, has made efforts to attract the Gulf market, kitting out its ships with prayer rooms, Arabic signage, Arabic-speaking staff and serving Middle Eastern cuisine.

In November, Costa Cruises began its fifth consecutive season in the Arabian Gulf, offering seven-day cruises to regional destinations until March 2011.

Have you ever taken a cruise? Does the idea of a holiday at sea sound exciting to you? Can a cruise ship live up to the luxury standards you would expect to find at a quality hotel? Let us know what you think.